UAW ends appeal of Volkswagen Union Vote

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The United Auto Workers is withdrawing its appeal of the outcome of a union vote at Volkswagen's assembly plant in Tennessee.

In a Monday statement, the UAW says it will instead focus on a congressional investigation into an anti-unionization campaign by Republican politicians and outside groups.

The UAW filed its appeal with the National Labor Relations Board after Volkswagen workers rejected the union in a 712-626 vote in February, arguing that public statements from U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and other GOP officials raised fears about the plant's future if workers there organized.

Documents also show Tennessee tied a $300 million incentive package to the satisfactory outcome of the labor situation at the plant.

An NLRB hearing on the matter had been scheduled to begin Monday in Chattanooga.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.